Rhode Island photograph collection

The Rhode Island Photograph Collection is a collection of photographs that document the landscape and life of Rhode Islanders across the state from the mid 19th century through the 20th century. The collection grew over time as the Providence Public Library had photographs donated to them from a variety of donors. There are an estimated 6,000 plus images in this collection.
This collection is part of Providence Public Library Digital Collections, hosted by Providence Public Library.

Items in this collection

S.S. Bristol

S.S. Bristol

Providence Public Library

Full length photograph of steamboat Bristol travelling through open water. Crowds of passengers are visible on all of the decks, and the ship is flying many flags. Small sailboats are visible in the water around the ship.

S.S. Bay Queen at dockside

S.S. Bay Queen at dockside

Providence Public Library

Steamboat Bay Queen at dock. Another steamboat is visible in the background, at the American Steamboat Co.'s Wharf. Railroad tracks are visible in the foreground, and houses and buildings are seen in the background.

S.S. Arrow

S.S. Arrow

Providence Public Library

Full length view of steamboat Arrow, on the Colonial Line. Land is visible in the background, and a buoy is seen in front of the ship.

S.L. Sherman Carpet Company

S.L. Sherman Carpet Company

Providence Public Library

Second-story view of businesses on the opposite side of the street. Signs on the buildings advertise Perry and Barnard Furniture, Taber Clock Depot, and S.L. Sherman's Carpet Warehouse.

S.L. Sherman Carpet Company

S.L. Sherman Carpet Company

Providence Public Library

Second-story view of businesses on the opposite side of the street. Signs on the buildings advertise Perry and Barnard Furniture, Taber Clock Depot, and S.L. Sherman's Carpet Warehouse.

Route 2 - 3 Cranston, RI

Route 2 - 3 Cranston, RI

Providence Public Library

Image show cars driving on Route 2 - 3 in winter. Roads are icy and embankments are covered in snow. Signs for Boston/Providence RI 2-3 and Exit Reservoir Ave.

Rose Garden, Coasters Harbor Island

Rose Garden, Coasters Harbor Island

Providence Public Library

Attached note reads: "Newport, R.I. -- Scene showing rose garden located in rear of Naval Base commander's residence on Coasters Harbor Island. The half acre garden is enclosed by a nine foot Privet hedge. In addition to the rose arbor, the garden contains a lily pond and numerous varieties of flowers."

Rolling Rhodies Antique Auto Club Driver

Image shows a driver of the Rolling Rhodies Antique Auto Club shaking hands with a man dressed in a suit. A formally dressed man, wearing a top hat, embroidered vest and pinstripe pants stand in between them. The driver wears a pin for the Rolling Rhodies.

Rogers Free Library, Hope Street, Bristol

Image shows Rogers Free Library on Hope Street in Bristol, RI. The Library building is a three-story brownstone. A man stands in the portico. Signs for Savings Bank and Industrial Trust Company are on the front pillars.

Roger Williams Tomb

Roger Williams Tomb

Providence Public Library

View of the entrance to a tomb at North Burial Ground where the remains of Roger Williams were found in 1933. The tomb has stone columns on either side of the door, and is formed by a mound of grass.

Roger Williams statue

Roger Williams statue

Providence Public Library

Front view of a relief statue of Roger Williams at Reformation Wall. Williams is depicted wearing a hat and cloak and holding a book with "Soul Liberty" engraved on its front. The date 1636 is seen engraved by his feet.

Roger Williams Plaque

Roger Williams Plaque

Providence Public Library

A stone monument commemorating the landing place of Roger Williams, with plaques seen mounted on two of its sides, one with a quote from Williams, and one scene depicting his landing. Trees and houses are seen in the background behind the monument.

Roger Williams Plaque

Roger Williams Plaque

Providence Public Library

Closeup view of a stone marker commemorating the landing place of Roger Williams. A space for a bronze plaque on the monument is empty as the plaque is removed for cleaning.

Roger Williams Park, Betsy William Cottage

Image shows the Betsy Williams Cottage in Roger Williams Park. The cottage was used as a farmhouse before becoming a museum. A farmer stands near the vine covered house with a wheelbarrow. A child's face is in the foreground.

Roger Williams Park Zoo

Roger Williams Park Zoo

Providence Public Library

A herd of deer resting under a tree at Roger Williams Zoo. A bison is also resting in the background.

Roger Williams Park Museum

Roger Williams Park Museum

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Industrial National Bank buildings on Weybosset Street in Providence, R.I. The three-story brick building is topped with a brick pediment. The ground floor has a series of arches with iron fencing. The upper floors have quoins and roof is lined with balustrades. The facade of the building still stands with support on Weybosset Street. The building was designed by Howe, Prout & Ekman Architects.

Roger Williams Park Museum

Roger Williams Park Museum

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History in Roger Williams Park.

Roger Williams Park Merry-Go-Round

Roger Williams Park Merry-Go-Round

Providence Public Library

View of a covered merry-go-round from the shore of a pond. Several people in small rowboats are in the foreground, and people are seen in and around the merry-go-round enclosure.

Roger Williams Park Casino

Roger Williams Park Casino

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Casino in Roger Williams Park. Horses and carriages are stopped in front of the house. Figures are visible standing near the front entrance. The brick Colonial Revival has verandas, porticos and Ionic columns.

Roger Williams Park Bandstand

Roger Williams Park Bandstand

Providence Public Library

Image shows the bandstand on Roosevelt Lake in Roger Williams Park. The veranda of the Casino is visible through trees in the background. People walk on path next to the lake. Ducks swim in the foreground.

Roger Williams Park

Roger Williams Park

Providence Public Library

View of people skiing and sledding on a hill at Roger Williams Park, with the Benedict Monument to Music (now called the Temple to Music) seen in the background.